The first decoration established during the III Reich was the Cross of Honor, still being President of the Reich Marshal von Hindenburg, on July 13, 1934. A decoration long awaited by German veterans for many years after the defeat in World War I and the prohibitions imposed thereafter by the Treaty of Versailles.
It was established in three categories:
Honour cross for combatants (Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer).
Cross 34mm in diameter, crossed by two swords, with a border of laurel leaves surrounding the center, and on it the dates 1914-1918.
About 7,000,000 copies were issued.
The award document is of A5 size, where the profession of the recipient is usually stated.
Honour cross for Non-combatants (Ehrenkreuz für Kriegsteilnehmer)
Cross 34mm in diameter, with a border of oak leaves surrounding the center, and on it the dates 1914-1918.
About 1,500,000 copies were issued.
The award document is of A5 size, where the profession of the recipient is usually indicated.
Honour cross for Parents or Widows (Ehrenkreuz für Eltern/Witwen)
Cross 34mm in diameter, this time of black iron, with a border of oak leaves surrounding the center, and on it the dates 1914-1918.
About 700,000 copies were issued between crosses for parents and widows.
It is usual that in this type of crosses the decorated women made a ribbon to wear it on the chest.
The award document is A5 size, where the profession of the recipient is usually stated.
Award document for widows:
Award document for parents